To welcome the weekend, here’s a little rum-embrance featuring our Filipino roots: As a tribute to our local heritage and to celebrate the country’s vibrant spirits industry, Don Papa Rum recently introduced a series of bartender guest shifts called Tres Papas. For each night of the series, three bartenders are set to take over a cocktail bar in the Metro to introduce different flavors of Don Papa Rum and showcase the pinnacle of Filipino talent!

Last August 9, the spotlight was on the original Tres Papas — David Ong, Cedric Mendoza, and Joma Rivera, who took over OTO, Makati for a one-night-only guest shift aptly called Tres Papas: Homecoming. These three names might ring a bell for cocktail enthusiasts, as they have been paving the way for Filipino talent on the global stage.

Meet the ‘Tres Papas’

David Ong, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of The Curator Coffee & Cocktails, is no stranger to accolades, with his establishment ranking #34 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars. Alongside his work with The Curator, Ong is also involved in other coffee and cocktail concepts across Manila, such as OTO, EDSA Beverage Design Group, #YKWRoasters at The Grid, and PourHouse Hospitality.

Cedric Mendoza, previously the Head Bartender at Manhattan Bar, played an instrumental role in propelling the bar to #1 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list for two consecutive years. He is now a Managing Partner of Pourhouse Hospitality and ReCraft.

Last but certainly not the least, Joma Rivera, with an impressive list of awards under his belt, including the Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year in 2014, is currently the Bar Manager at Kafe UTU and Tamba in Singapore.

The Tres Papas series is a remarkable celebration of Filipino talent and flavors, a journey that truly embodies the spirit of Don Papa Rum’s heritage.

Sneak Peek at the Proudly Pinoy Concoctions

Don Papa Rum’s distinctive profile, characterized by notes of vanilla, honey, and candied fruit, makes it an ideal choice for crafting a variety of cocktails. Its versatility shines through as bartenders experiment with different concoctions, showcasing the rum’s complexity and depth. What truly sets this series apart is its focus on championing Philippine ingredients and stories, creating a truly immersive experience.

Among the remarkable creations presented by the Tres Papas include David Ong’s “Enriquez” which pays homage to OTO’s street, resulting in a cocktail reminiscent of the classic Twin Popsies. This cocktail features tablea-infused Don Papa Rum, sweet vermouth, orange bitters, and sugar, delivering a potent yet delightful tsokolate bittersweet flavor that resonates with Filipinos.

Cedric Mendoza’s “Dong Papa”, on the other hand, is a playful twist on the classic daiquiri, incorporating hazelnut and spiced syrup to accentuate the caramel notes and vibrancy of Don Papa Masskara.

As for Joma Rivera’s creation, “Hey-A-Ron,” it serves as a tribute to Don Papa Rum’s Global Brand Ambassador, Aaron Goodall, blending fresh granny smith apple, manuka honey, and bee pollen with Don Papa Masskara for a bright, velvety, and refreshing taste.

From its beginnings as a local brand in the Philippines to its current status as a beloved premium rum enjoyed in over 30 countries, Don Papa Rum’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. The Tres Papas series not only shows the brand’s flavors and ingredients but also its commitment to showcasing Filipino talent and narratives.

With two more Tres Papas guest shifts lined up this September, the celebration of Don Papa Rum’s Filipino rum flavor and heritage continues. For the final schedule and access to latest updates, follow Don Papa Rum on Facebook and Instagram.

See you at the next Tres Papas event!

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